Futures Contract: Overview & Techniques (2024)

Dive into the intricate world of financial instruments with this comprehensive guide to futures contracts. Understand the fundamentals, including definition, importance, and key elements. Learn how futures contrast with forward contracts, both benefit and drawbacks, and explore real-world examples to aid comprehension. Master the technique behind Futures contracts and compare it with other prevalent financial instruments, like options and bonds futures contracts. The crucial role of futures contract in corporate finance is also unveiled.

Understanding Futures Contract

A Futures Contract is a standard agreement you get into, typically on a trading exchange, to buy or sell a specific quantity of a commodity or financial asset at a predetermined price at a set future date. This contract helps you manage price risks in volatile markets by locking in future prices today.

What is a Futures Contract: Definition and Importance

A Futures Contract is a legally binding contract obligating the buyer to purchase, and the seller to sell, an asset at a predetermined price and a specified time in the future. The asset can either be a physical commodity or a financial instrument.

Futures Contracts are critical financial tools used to hedge price risk. By locking in prices for future transactions, they help mitigate the risk of price movements. They are also used by speculators, who bet on the direction of price changes to make profits.For instance, consider an airline company that expects a rise in oil prices. By entering into a futures contract today, they can secure oil at a specific price at a future date, thus eliminating the unexpected expense that a rise in oil prices would cause.

Let's look at the Futures Contract in a more illustrative manner. Take a farmer who has planted wheat and expects to harvest 5000 bushels in 6 months. However, he worries that the price of wheat might fall in the coming months. To eliminate this risk, the farmer can enter into a Futures Contract selling 5000 bushels of wheat at a specific price. Regardless of what happens to wheat prices in the future, the farmer is assured of the price defined in the contract, thereby shielding him from potential losses.

Speculators, on the other hand, are primarily interested in making a profit from price changes. They will never actually take delivery of the commodity stipulated in the contract. Instead, they'll buy a futures contract at a low price, then sell it at a higher price, making a profit from the difference.

Key Elements in a Futures Contract

A Futures Contract typically contains the following key elements:

• Underlying Asset: It's what is being bought or sold. This might be a physical commodity (like wheat or oil) or a financial instrument (like a bond or a stock index).
• Contract Size: The quantity of the underlying asset to be delivered.
• Delivery Date: The date when the underlying asset must be delivered.
• Price: The price at which the asset will be sold or bought.
• Terms of Delivery: Specifies where and how delivery will be made.

The Futures Contract terms are standardized, meaning they are set by the futures exchange where the contract is traded. But, the two parameters that traders can control are:\[\text{1. Number of Contracts: The quantity of contracts the trader wants to buy or sell.}\]\[\text{2. Price: The price at which they are willing to buy or sell.}\]Let's illustrate this with an example.

The E-mini S&P 500 Futures Contract trades on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). The underlying asset is the S&P 500 index. One contract has a size of $50 times the S&P 500 index value. Therefore, if the S&P 500 is trading at 2750 points, the value of one E-mini S&P 500 futures contract would be $137500 (2750 x $50). The delivery months are March, June, September, and December, and the delivery is cash-settled, meaning no physical commodity changes hands.

To conclude, understanding Futures Contracts and their key elements provides you with powerful tools for managing financial risk and potentially making informed speculative trades.

Futures vs Forward Contracts

At a glance, Futures and Forward Contracts may appear similar as they both allow parties to buy or sell an asset at a future date for a specific price. However, several critical differences distinguish these two financial instruments.

Forward vs Future Contract: Unravelling the Contrast

A Forward Contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified future time at a price agreed upon today. Unlike Futures Contracts, Forward Contracts are not traded on an exchange but are private agreements between two parties and are thus unregulated.

One of the most significant differences between Futures and Forwards lies in their trading venues. While Futures Contracts are traded on a centralised exchange, Forward Contracts are Over-the-Counter (OTC) instruments, meaning they are traded directly between two parties without a regulated exchange.Here are some significant points of contrast between Futures and Forward Contracts:

Futures Contracts are standardised to facilitate trading on the exchange, meaning the quantity, quality (in case of commodities), and delivery date are set by the exchange. This is not the case with Forward Contracts, which can be customised to the needs of the parties involved.Additionally, because Futures Contracts are exchange-traded, they come with a guarantee of performance of the contract by the exchange, thus mitigating counterparty risk. This is not the case in Forward Contracts, where a party bears the risk of the other party not fulfilling its obligations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Forward and Futures Contracts

Both Forward and Futures Contracts have their own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about which to use.

Advantages of Forward and Futures Contracts

• Price Certainty: Both types of contracts offer price certainty, providing a hedge against future price changes.
• Customisation: Forward Contracts allow for complete customisation to better align with your requirements.
• Leverage: Given that only a margin (a small percentage of the contract value) is required to trade futures, you can command a position much larger than your capital base, amplifying your profit potential.

Disadvantages of Forward and Futures Contracts

• Counterparty Risk: Forward Contracts carry a high level of counterparty risk as they aren't regulated or guaranteed by an exchange.
• Margin Requirements: For Futures Contracts, even though the initial margin requirements provide leverage, they can also lead to substantial losses and margin calls.
• Lack of Flexibility: Futures Contracts, due to their standardised nature, may not exactly match your hedging requirements.

Deciding between a Futures Contract and a Forward Contract depends largely on your needs and risk tolerance. If counterparty risk is a concern and you do not require customisation, Futures Contracts may be the way to go. However, if you need a bespoke contract, with specific quantities and delivery dates that are not offered in standard Futures Contracts, then Forward Contracts may be a preferable option. Always remember, these contracts should only be used when you fully understand their terms and structures.

Practical Application of Futures Contract

Futures Contracts are instrumental in various fields, ranging from agriculture to financial markets. They are extensively used to either hedge against price changes or to speculate and potentially reap profits from those changes. Whether it is a farmer seeking to secure a fair price for his crops or an investor looking to hedge a portfolio against market swings, Futures Contracts provide an effective solution.

Futures Contract Example: Real World Scenarios

To understand the practical implications of Futures Contracts, consider two real-world scenarios. In agriculture, let's examine a wheat farmer who wants to lock in a selling price for his produce to shield against a potential drop in price by the time of harvest. To secure a stable price, the farmer enters a Futures Contract agreeing to sell his wheat at a particular price at a fixed future date.

For example, imagine a farmer who plans to harvest 1000 bushels of wheat in September. In June, he enters a futures contract agreeing to sell his wheat in September for $5 per bushel. Regardless of the price of wheat in September, the farmer is assured to get $5 per bushel as per the agreement, thus eliminating the risk of price decrease.

In the finance sector, investors utilise Futures Contracts to hedge their portfolios against market risks or to speculate on market movements. An investor with a substantial investment in, say, a technology portfolio, can expect significant losses if technology stocks decline. By selling technology index futures, the investor can hedge against this risk.

Consider an investor with a large portfolio of technology stocks currently valued at $200,000. If the NASDAQ, a tech-heavy index, is currently at 7000 and the investor fears a technology sell-off, she can alleviate her risk through Futures Contracts. She could sell two NASDAQ futures contracts (each contract is worth $100 X NASDAQ index value). If the NASDAQ dips 10% to 6300, her technology portfolio may also drop 10%, resulting in a loss of $20,000. However, her two NASDAQ futures contracts would each make $7000, entirely offsetting her portfolio's loss.

How to Analyse a Futures Contract Example?

When analysing a Futures Contract example, there are vital factors to consider. \[\text{1. Underlying Asset:} \]Look at the commodity or financial instrument at the heart of the agreement. Understand its current market conditions and anticipate future price movements based on historical data, supply and demand dynamics, and other market trends.For instance, in the context of a wheat futures contract, the farmer may consider the current season's production estimates, any potential weather disruptions, and overall demand for wheat in the market when formulating his strategy.\[\text{2. Contract Terms:} \]Evaluate the terms of the contract, including the agreed upon price, quantity and delivery dates. Ensure that these terms align with your needs and expectations.\[\text{3. Risk and Reward Analysis:} \]Assess the possible reward against the potential risk. This could include risk of price movements, the risk of default, or the consequences of an unexpected event such as a natural disaster affecting the crop.\[\text{4. Counterparty Risk:}\]Remember, in a Futures Contract, the risk of counterparty default is virtually nonsensical due to the regulation of the exchange. However, a clear understanding of your counterparty’s standing never hurts.For effective analysis, gathering as much information as possible about market conditions, the counterparty, and the terms of the contract is pivotal. It’s essential to evaluate every Risk-Reward trade-off, various price change scenarios, and any potential logistical issues that could arise during the contract tenure. An informed decision can minimise risks and maximise potential benefits from a Futures Contract.

Mastering Futures Contract Technique

The Futures Contract technique is a quintessential part of financial trading and risk management. By mastering this technique, you can make more informed decisions on investment and risk management. This wouldn't merely shape your tactical approaches, but also offer strategic insights into potential markets.

Futures Contract Technique Explained: A Complete Guide

A Futures Contract is a mediator agreed legal pact to buy or sell a given commodity or financial asset at a predetermined price at a specified point in the future. What this contract essentially does is that it provides an obligation to buy or sell, not merely an option. However, the contract holder can close out their position before the expiration of the contract by taking an opposite position.There are three major aspects you need to understand when delving into the Futures Contract technique:\[\text{1. Long and Short Positions:}\]Taking a 'Long' or 'Short' position is a fundamental concept in futures trading. Primary resonance lies with the expectation the trader has over the market direction. If you're under the impression that the underlying asset's price is going to rise before the future date, you'd opt for a 'Long' position buying a Futures Contract. Contrarily, if you presume the price would drop, you'd take a 'Short' position, selling a Futures Contract.\[\text{2. Margin and Leverage:}\]Whenever you trade futures, you won't need to pay the full amount of the contract upfront. Instead, you only pay a fraction of the total, which is known as the 'margin.' The margin typically ranges from 5 to 15% of the contract value hence providing extreme leverage. Understanding the ins and outs of margin requirements and the power of leverage is vital for success in futures trading.\[\text{3. Mark to Market:}\]In futures trading, 'mark to market' is a crucial practice, which means that the account values are updated at the end of each trading day to reflect profits or losses made in the day's trading. Profits increase the account balance, and vice versa.A few more trending techniques in futures trading are:

• Stop Orders: This is an order to buy or sell a Futures Contract once it reaches a particular price. This technique helps limit potential losses.
• Limit Orders: An order placed to either buy below the market or sell above the market at a certain price.
• Spread Trading: These are sophisticated strategies that involve taking a position in two or more futures contracts to profit from the change in the price difference.

The Significance of the Futures Contract Technique in Corporate Finance

In corporate finance, the Futures Contract technique plays an imperative part. Companies often have exposure to fluctuating commodities prices or foreign exchange rates. The technique offers a possibility to hedge by taking future positions opposite to their exposed positions.Consider a company that expects to sell a commodity in the future. The worry is that the price of the commodity might decrease. To safeguard against this, the company could take a short position in a futures contract on the commodity. Similarly, a company with foreign exchange exposure could do the same with a currency futures contract.Another utilisation of the Futures Contract technique in corporate finance is portfolio diversification. Equity index futures, for instance, allow investment into a broad market index with a single transaction, making the investment process far more efficient. Risks associated with Futures Contracts are also noteworthy in corporate finance. Futures trading uses leverage, which increases potential returns but also exponentially escalates potential losses. Therefore, proper risk management policies are essential in place to leverage its advantages and minimise possible drawbacks.Here, it is also essential to recognise the impact of 'mark to market,' where gains or losses are recognised daily. This can impact the cash flow management of a firm and must be accounted for when making strategic decisions.Finally, understanding Futures Contract technique is also crucial for financial reporting and tax treatment as both unrealised and realised gains and losses from futures trading are recognised and have tax implications too. In sum, the Futures Contract technique holds the potential to do much more than merely bolster hedging techniques. Proper understanding and its judicious use can enhance strategic decision-making capabilities, risk management, diversification, and long-term investment success.

Futures Contract in Comparison with Other Financial Instruments

Understanding the Futures Contract in context with other financial instruments is essential in establishing the unique role and benefits it offers. The comparison with options unveils the distinctive characteristics of both these derivative instruments, whereas a deep dive into Bond Futures Contract clarifies its unique contribution to corporate finance.

Futures Contract vs Options: Spotting the Distinctions

Options and Futures both fall under the umbrella of derivative instruments, being contracts linked to underlying assets. However, they demonstrate distinct attributes that are crucial to comprehend:

• Obligation vs Right: A critical distinction between Futures and Options lies in their nature of commitment. A Futures Contract involves a legal obligation to buy or sell the underlying commodity at a predetermined future date. On the contrary, an Option provides the holder the right, not obligation, to buy (call option) or sell (put option) the underlying asset.
• Risk and Reward: Since a Futures Contract requires a firm commitment, it carries a higher level of risk and potentially higher rewards. Conversely, the risk in options is limited to the premium paid, but the reward might be limited due to the price paid for the option premium.
• Margin: Both Futures and Options involve the use of a margin, a small collateral to cover the obligations under the contract. However, in a Futures Contract, the margin is marked to market daily, adjusting for every day's gain or loss. In contrast, the margin for options involves the payment of an up-front premium, which is not marked to market.
• Contract Flexibility: In the case of Futures Contracts, the specifications like price, quantity, and date are standardised by the exchange. However, Options allow for greater flexibility, with varied strike prices and expiration dates.

Bond Futures Contract: Meaning and Role in Corporate Finance

A Bond Future is a binding agreement to buy or sell a specific government bond at a future date for a price agreed upon today. Bond futures are predominantly used as a risk management tool for interest rate risk and are often preferred because they are cost-effective and allow investors to achieve a specific duration for portfolio management.Specifically, in corporate finance, bond futures play a vital role in managing interest rate risk, the risk arising from fluctuating interest rates, which considerably impacts the value of debt instruments. The predictability provided by the bond futures allows corporates to gain control over their cost of capital and facilitates effective financial planning as future liabilities and revenue streams have a known interest cost attached to them.An additional merit of bond futures in corporate finance is the ability to adjust the interest rate exposure of a portfolio by going long or short without the gratuity need to buy or sell the actual bonds, enabling the corporate treasurer to optimise the company's debt profile more efficiently.Furthermore, as a speculative tool, bond futures provide an opportunity to profit from expected changes in interest rates. An investor who foresees interest rates to decline may go long on bond futures, locking in today's high rates for future. Conversely, if rates are to rise, the investor may go short, promising to deliver bonds in the future at today's low prices.Comparatively, bond futures offer reduced transaction costs, given their standardised contract size and frequent trading. This standardisation also promotes increased liquidity, which is beneficial when buying or selling positions.To conclude, the Futures Contract technique is a robust financial instrument that offers distinctive benefits over options and avails the key advantages of predictability, risk management, and optimised investment strategies. Whether it's a bond futures contract to manage interest rate risk or a commodity futures contract to secure prices, understanding the utility of futures contracts can heighten strategic decision-making capabilities, portfolio diversification, and overall investment success.